Arc lamp



l F. HUMMON, JR

ARC LAMP Nov. 21, 1933.

Filed Dec. 26, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 21, 1933. F, HUMMQN, JR 1,935,907

ARC LAMP Filed DeC. 26, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 21, 1933. F. HUMMON, JR 1,935,907

ARC LAMP Filed Dec. 26. 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 2% we@ i571' Patented Nov. 21, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application December 26, 1929 Serial No. 416,361

1 Claim.

This invention relates to -arc lamps and more particularly to ultra-violet ray generating devices, although certain features thereof may be employed with equal advantage for other pur- 5 poses.

It contemplates more especially an efficient carbonV ultra violet ray lamp of the type shown in my copending application Serial Number 362,581, led May 13, 1929, for popular domestic employment without requiring attentive or skilled supervision.

Arc producing lamps of varied design have heretofore been proposed for unskilled use in the home, but these are of intricate construction, expensive and delicate in'operation. As a result, frequent parte replacement is found necessary7 and skilled adjustment required with the continued use thereof.

Moreover, carbon lamps for generating ultra violet rays usually employ resistance units in the arcing circuit to enable the connection thereN of to electric lighting systems in the home for safety, yet these have 'heretofore been regarded as mere electrical requirements which considerably lessen the overall efficiency of arc lamps. Although it has `eeen appreciated that such registers develop infra red raysuseful for certain therapeutic purposes, yet devices of this character have notheretofore utilized the registers to the greatest possible advantage for health and treatment purposes. l

With ultra violet ray lamps of known construction the electrodes thereof become worn and consumed responsive to the continued passage of a potential therebetween in the form of an are, thereby the arcing gap to an extent requiring. repeated adjustment within short intervals of time. This renders such ray generators undesirable for domestic in that the individual receiving the treatment is not ordinarily provided with the facilities of an attendant who is suiiiciently skilled to effect the necessary adjustment for continued operation. Moreover, such adjustments required by the individual under treatment, creates a very unsatisfactory mental and exertion which soon discourages the use of devices of this character.

In consequence thereof, it is highly desirable to provide a means for readily initiating arcing without any painstaking or time consiuning manipulation of the device. This accompanied by the fact that the required readjustments with known devices soon alters the position of the arc with respect to the reflector so that it is removed from the foci thereof to an extent suiiicient to preclude maximum ray emanation effected by the reflector with increased intensity.

It is not, therefore, possible to operate domestic ultra violet ray generators with known electrode mounts and control mechanism with the required ease and least annoyance to an untrained attendant or self-treated individual.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the construction and improve the operation of devices of the character mentioned.

Another object is the provision of novel and simple means for initiating arcing between electrodes.

Still another object is the provision of a simple electrode mount for initiating arcing between electrodes and normally effect the support thereof in a predetermined spaced relation for continued activity.

A further object is to provide confronting electrodes mounts which are operatively connected for movement in opposed directions responsive to the manipulation of a single control.

A still further object is to provide novel means in association with a control for electrode mounts 30 which enables initial arcing and automatically effects the spacing thereof for continued ultra violet ray generation for a predetermined interval of time,

Still a further object is the provision of an improved self-contained ultra violet and infra red ray generating device capable of selective or collective operation responsive to the adjustment of a single control.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description of an illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary front View in elevation of a device embodying features of the present invention, parts thereof being broken away to clarify the showing.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the electrode control mechanism for initiating ultra violet ray generation and effecting the continued operation thereof for a predetermined interval of time.

Figure 3 is a sectional View taken substantially along line III-III of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken 'substan- 105 tially along line IV-IV of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along line V-V of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along line VI--VI of Figure 3.

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cap 34 for this purpose.

lll

Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of an adjustable standard employed in connection with the lamp disclosed in Figure 3.

Figure 8 is a rear View of the switch control for the ultra violet and infra red ray generator shown diagrammatically in connection therewith.

The structure selected for illustration comprises a base l having any suitable casters 1l for contact with the iioor or other stationary object serving as a support for the device to be hereinafter described. The base 10 has a central elevated boss 12, preferably formed integral therewith, to sustain a tubular standard or pedestal post 13 erect in vertical axial relation therewith, it being secured to the base 19 interiorly thereof in any suitable manner as commercial practice may dictate. A lamp post 14 conforming in cross sectional contour and dimensions with the standard 13 is telescopically received therein to enable vertical adjustment relative thereto. To maintain the lamp post 14 in vertical adjustable position, the standard 13 terminates in a cap 15 which is associated therewith in any suitable manner to provide a laterally extending boss 16 having a threaded aperture 17 extending therethrough in communication with the interior of a standard 13. A locking screw 18 threadedly engages the aperture 17 for contact with a block 19 provided in a recessed boss 16 to obstruct the movement of the locking screw 18 responsive to the rotation thereof, thereby clamping the lamp post l4 against axial movement relative to the standard 13.

The lamp post 14 terminates in a bracket 20 whichenvelops the extremity thereof for secural thereto by means of rivets or. other suitable fasteners 2l, thereby providing a furcated socket 22 for the reception of a correspondingly shaped bracket 23 therein. As shown, the bracket 23 is provided with an aperture 24 which extends therethrough for alignment with corresponding apertures provided in the furcated socket 22 to receive a pin 25 therethrough, thereby establishing a pivotal connection therebetween to afford oscillatory movement of the bracket 23 about the axis thereof. The bracket 23 extends upwardly to provide an enlarged ear 26 of arcuate configuration conforming with the correspondingly shaped periphery of a shell or casing 27 which is supported thereon. The shell or casing 27 is, in this instance, riveted or otherwise secured to the bracket ear 26 by means of fasteners 28 to move in unison therewith for rotary or oscillatory adjustment by manipulation of a knob 29 fixed to the extremity of a shaft 30 which extends through horizontally aligned bores 31 in the bracket 20.

To enable the rotation of the shaft with minimum friction, bushings 32 are pressed or otherwise held within the bores 3l, they being provided with a threaded periphery 33 for receiving bearing caps 34 thereon to retain the shaft 30 against axial displacement, there being a pin 35 extending transversely through the shaft 30 between a confronting bushing 32 and bearing In order to oscillate the shell 27 responsive to the manipulation of the knob 29, a worm 36 is keyed or otherwise secured to the shaft 30 within the lamp post 14 between the bushings 32 provided in the bracket 20, it moving in unison therewith for meshing engagement with a correspondingly shaped worm wheel sector 37 integrally cr otherwise attached to the extremity of the shell sustaining bracket 23. In consequence thereof, rotation of the knob 29 will displace the shell 27 along an arc for movement Within the limits defined by the worm wheel sector 27, thereby enabling the direction of rays emanating from the shell 27 for application to any part of an individuals anatomy within the range thereof.

The shell 27 is preferably, though not essentially, of semi-spherical configuration, it being stamped or otherwise shaped from highly polished metallic sheet material to serve as a refiector for rays generated in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter. The circular diametral rim 38 of the shell of casing 27 is beaded or otherwise reinforced to dene an opening for emanation of the generated rays therethrough from its interior which serves as an intensifying reflector. Obviously, a highly polished reflector independent of the shell or casing 27 may be provided therein should commercial practice dictate. To preclude electrical discharges and foreign substances from the electrodes to shoot from the interior of the casing 27, the rim 38 thereof is provided with a circular band 39 having metallic wire 40 tensioned therein by means of fasteners such as the studs 41 which extend through the band 39 at uniformed spa-ce intervals around the periphery thereof. Spring clips 42 which depend from the band39 at spaced intervals therearound engage the bead 38 of the casing 27 to normally maintain the screen closure in detachable association therewith.

In order to enable the support of ray generating instrumentalities rectangular mounting plates 43 and 44 are xed within the casing 27, the plate 43 having angular extensions 45 to enable the attachment to the top and bottom thereof by means of fasteners 46 and 28, respectively, along a vertical median rearwardly of an opening defined by the casing rim 38. As shown, the bar 44 has an angular extension 47 for secural adjacent the extension 45 by means of the fasteners 46 to maintain parallelism with the plate 43 so as to define a spaced column 48 therebetween. To this end, the lower extremity of the plate 44 is provided with an aperture to receive a stud 49 having a spacer 50 thereon between the plates 43 and 44, thereby rigidly sustaining the plates 43 and 44 in vertical confronting parallelism to support ray generating instrumentalities as will hereinafter more clearly appear.

An electrode mount 51 stamped or otherwise shaped from sheet material to provide forwardly extending arms 52, in this instance of angular configuration, terminates in confronting Shanks 53 provided with aligned apertures for support by vertically aligned pins 54, in this instance two. The pins 54 extend through an insulator bushing 55 carried by the apertured confronting straps 56 of a bracket 57 slidably associated with the plate 43 to move therealong. In consequence thereof, the bracket 57 is tubular in form and of rectangular configuration to envelop the plate 44, it being provided with rearwardly extending guide lugs 58 stamped or otherwise shaped therefrom for sliding contact with the edges of the plate 43 to guide the vertical sliding movement thereof.

To this end, the bracket 57 has a rack 59 secured thereto for vertical upward extension in meshing engagement with a pinion 60 journalled on a stud shaft 61. The shaft 61 extends through the plates 43 and 44 intermediate the extremities thereof for attachment thereto by threaded nuts 62 in engagement with the correspondingly threaded extremities 63 thereof. Any number of electrodes 64, in this instance two, may be sustained by the'amount 51. To this end, the electrodes 64 are lodged in the angular crevice 52' impressed in spaced arms 52 of the mount 51, they being sustained in position by clips. which areapertured for support by the pin 54 in YContact with the Shanks 53 of the electrode mount 5l. The clips 65 extend forwardly to provide arcuate prongs 66 in Vconfronting relation with the arms 52 for flexed yielding engagement with the electrode 64 disposed therebetween to grasp, in this instance, cylindrical carbon electrodes 64 for vertical support. In order to impart the desired resiliency to the clip 65 and the prong 66 in continuity therewith, a series of slits 67, in this instance two, are provided therein transversely of the electrode 64 to effect the support thereof against any possible accidental displacement.

`Confronting electrodes 68, in this instance two, corresponding in number and shape with the electrodes 64, are positioned in confronting relation therewith within arcing range. These are held in position by a mount 69 shaped similarly to the mount 51 with corresponding arms 70 sustained in position by vertically aligned studs 71. The studs 71, in this instance two, extend through insulator bushings 72 positioned in a bracket 73 which envelope the plate 44 for guidance therealong. A downwardly extending rack 74 is secured to theV bracket 73 proximate to the upper extremitythereof for meshing engagement with the pinion 69 on the side opposite and in confrontj ing relation with the rack 59, thereby causing the mounts 51 and 69 to approach or recede responsive to effecting the displacement thereof. [is a result the electrodes 64 and 68 contact within the axial region of the shell 27 regardless of the 'l length thereof winch is shortened responsive to continued arcing therebetween. To this end, the electrodes 68 are held in position by clips 75 having arcuate or looped extensions 76 for engagement with the electrodes 78 to maintain them lodged in theangular recess of the arms 70. The

clips with their prongs 76 are similarly slitted as at 77 to impart the desired flexibility and resiliency thereto, thereby detachably securing the electrodes 64 and 68 in position for ready replacement when necessary.

i En order to guide the movement of the racks 59 and 74 alongtheir respectiveplates 43 and 44, guides 78 and 79 (Figure 5) are secured thereto so that the laterally extending edges 80 and 81, respectively, will accommodate the plates 43 and 44 for movement along a predetermined rectilinear path dened by the rectangular plates 43 and 44.

To effect a momentary contact between the electrodes 64 and 68, movement is imparted thereto by means of a manual actuator 82. The actuator 82 comprises a rod which is threaded at the extremities 83 and 84 thereof for connection to the mount 69 and a knob 85, respectively. The threaded extremity 83 detachably engages a plate which is disposed between the bracket straps 73 for secural thereto by means of the studs 71, thereby establishing a rigid joinder between the mount 69 and the actuator rod 82 which extends upwardly through an aperture in the shell or casing 27 to receive the handle or knob 85 preferably of insulation material.. Consequently, the electrodes 64 and 68 may be caused to approach each other for momentary contact within the axial region or foci of the shell 27 in that movement imparted to the mount 69 will effect corresponding movement of the mount 5l in a direction opposed thereto.

1n order to effect the proper separation of the electrodes 64 and 68 for a predetermined distance conducive to the continued arcing therebetween for producing ultra violet rays, clutch means are provided to grasp the actuator rod 82 responsive to the release of the pressure on the handle or knob 85. To accomplish this end, a bracket 88 stamped or otherwise shaped from sheet material, is secured to the plate 44 proximate to the upper extremity thereof to present confronting walls 89 disposed normal to the rod 82 which projects through aligned apertures 96 provided therein, A friction bushing 91 composed of split segments 92 embraces the rod 82 within the bracket 88, it being worthy of note that the split bushing 91 is of less dimensional lengt than the distance between the bracket walls 89 to permit the recision of the electrode mounts 51 and 69 for a distance equivalent to twice the dimensional difference therebetween. The bushing segments 92 are provided with a peripheral groove 93 proximate to the topV edge thereof to receive a friction spring 94 in enveloping relation therewith to normally cause the frictional embrace of the actuator rod 82.

With the depression of the actuating rod 82, the bushing 91 will move in unison therewith until obstructed by a washer 95 provided in the bottom wall 89 of the bracket 88 so that the continued descent of the rod 82 will be effected with movement relative to the bushing 91, thereby depressing a lifting spring 96 which spirally envelops the segments 92 below the frictional spring 94, to establish contact between the electrodes 64 and 68. The release of pressure on the knob will automatically cause the electrodes 64 to recede from the electrodes 68 in that the lifting spring 96 elevates the bushing 91 together with the red 82 which is grasped thereby. The ascent ,thereof is limited by contact of the bushing 91 with the upper wall 89 of the bracket 88, thereby spacing the electrodes 64 and 68 a predetermined distance for arcing until such a time as the gap therebetween is enlarged responsive to the consumption of the electrode 64, thereby automaticaliy terminating the arc.

While the exposure may desirably vary for different individuals and afflictions, yet the arcing for predetermined intervals controlled by the friction bushing 91 is such as to preclude overexposure in the event the patient or individual being treated should fall asleep or otherwise be unmindful of the continued arcing for an extended period. In view of the fact that devices of this character are domestically employed for connection to ordinary lighting circuits, resistance units or elements are necessarily employed in conjunction and in series with the ultra violet ray generating electrodes 64 and 68. These are particularly useful and beneficial owing to their infra red ray generation possessing therapeutic value either `in the presence of the ultra violet rays or entirely independent thereof.

To this end, the resistance or heating element, in this instance in the form of a circular ring 98, is ino'unted rearwardly of the guide plates or bars 43 and 44 owing to divergent brackets 99 which are anchored to a switch block 106 fixed to the plate 43 proximate to the lower extremity thereof by means of the stud 49, supra, and a center stud 191 which serves as a mount for the rotary switch 192 having the handle 103 thereof extending through an opening 104 provided in the bottom of the shell 27. As shown, the divergent brackets 99 serve as electrical connectors between the heat element extremities 105 and terminals 106 and 107 provided on the switch block 100. An intermediate connector 108 is conductively xed to the heating element 98 at an intermediate point 109 thereof for connection to a terminal 110 fixed to the switch block 100, thereby leading to one of theprongs 52 of the lower electrode mount 51 owing to a wire 111, it being worthy of note that the confronting prongs 52 of the mount 51 are insulated from each other to connect the electrodes 64 and 68, in this instance four, in series in that the latter electrodes are connected together to enable the flow of current from one to the other through the mount Another terminal 112 is provided in the corner of the switch block 100 opposite to the position of the terminal 110, thereby serving to connect the other insulated electrode prong 52 thereto by means of a wire 113 disposed forwardly of the switch block 100 in symmetry to the wire 111. In consequence thereof, the conducting bar 108 establishes connection between the intermediate point 109 in the resistance element 98 to one electrode 64 to place the resistance or infra red generator 98 in series with the ultra Violet ray generators or electrodes 64-68 to permit connection to an electrical energy source commonly available in the form of domestic lighting circuits. To this end, the switch block 100 is provided with terminals 114 and 115 which are electrically connected to lead wires 116 and 117, respectively, secured to a plug for connection in the usual manner to a light socket of standard construction.

It is worthy of note that the terminals 106, 107, 112, 114 and 115 terminate in metallic contacts 106', 107', 112', 114' and 115', respectively, disposed radially for extension in a common circumference. The rotary switch 102 which is mounted for movement about the pin 101 as an axis thereof, is provided with two terminals 118 and 119 having radially extending resilient clips branched therefrom for selective Contact engagement with the terminal contact 106', 107',112', 114' and 115'. To this end, the terminal 118 is provided with three resilient contacts 120, 121, and 122 for norl mal contact with the contacts 106', 107' and 114',

while the terminal 119 is provided with two resilient contacts 123 and 124 for engagement with the contacts 112' and 115' in the extreme clockwise position of the handle lever 102, (viewed from Figure 8) to connect the power source with the electrodes 64-68 and the ballast resistance 98 in series.

With this arrangement, the resistance unit or infra red ray generator 98 may be connected to the power source through the lead wires 116 and 117 by movement of the handle lever 103 to a vertical position, thereby disconnecting the electrodes 64-68 from the circuit in a manner which is apparent from the conventional diagram disclosed in Figure 8. With the positioning of a switch handle 103 in its extreme counter-clockwise direction (viewed from Figure 8), both the ultra Violet ray generating electrodes 64-68 and the infra red generator 98 are eliminated from the circuit which conveys the power source to the lead wires 116 and 117, thereby providing a simple and effective control for generation of ultra violet rays and/ or infra red rays as the individual under treatment may select or desire.

In order to retain the switch lever 103 in adjusted position against any accidental displacement, an upstanding boss 125 is provided thereon to enable a spiral spring 126 to be confined within the recess 127 thereof. A detent 128, in this instance of spherical configuration, is disposed within the recess 127 adjacent the spring 126 which normally imparts an urge thereto for engagement with the surface of the switch block 100. The switch block 100 is provided with depressions 129, in this instance three, disposed along the arcuate path of the detent 128 in the extreme and intermediate positions of switch handle movement, thereby lodging the detent 128 within the cavities 129 when disposed in confronting relation therewith.

In consequence thereof, the switch handle 103 is held in adjusted position corresponding to off (extreme counter-clockwise position) ultra violet ray generation (extreme clockwise position) and infra red ray generation (intermediate position). The switch handle 103 is limited in its rotation between stops -130 and 131 mounted in the path thereof to the switch block 100, thereby insuring rapid operation and adjustment without requiring exacting vision. Although two sets of electrodes 64 and 68, in this instance totaling four, are described and disclosed in the present embodiment, it is apparent that a single set of electrodes or any number thereof may be employed, depending upon the dictates of commercial practice.

With the arrangement of parts above described it will be apparent that the electrodes 64-68 are readily replaceable without entailing much time or labor and that regardless of the length thereof which is diminished or reduced with the continued arcing activity, contact to initiate arcing is effected at a substantially fixed point centrally of the casing or shell 27 or preferably at the focal point thereof responsive to depressing the actuator 82. The depression of the actuator 82 causes the split friction bushing 91 to descend therewith until obstructed by the bracket 88, thereby compelling the actuator 82 to descend further for movement relative to the bushing 91 until contact is effected between the electrodes 64-68. With the release of the pressure from the actuator knob 85, the spring 96 which envelops the friction bushing 91 effects the elevation thereof together with the actuator rod 82 in frictional engagement therewith. The actuator 82 is elevated for a predetermined distance governed by the obstruction of the split bushing 91 which contacts with the top wall 89 of the bracket 88. This holds the electrodes 64--68 in spaced relation for a distance equivalent to twice the ascent of the bushing 91 with the actuator 82, thereby maintaining an arc gap Within range of the potential therebetween for continued arcing until such a time as the gap becomes excessive responsive to the reduction in length of the electrodes 64-68.

In consequence thereof, there will be no further arcing until the individual under treatment or an attendant depresses the actuator knob to again establish contact between the electrodes 64-68, thereby repeating the arcing for a more or less uniform interval of time to preclude over-exposure or to serve as a timing element as conditions may require or render feasible. Bearing in mind that the electrodes 64 are insulated from each other owing to the assembly of the mount 51, it is necessary or at least highly desirable to preclude accidental or careless electrical conductance therebetween. In

that such may occur by the descent of the electrodes 64 in Contact with the interior of the shell 27, an insulator strip 132 is riveted or otherwise secured to the bottom interior thereof by a fastener 133 in the path of the electrodes 64. As a result, the total descent of the electrodes 64 effects contact of their extremities with the insulator strips 132, thereby unimparing the electrical circuit previously described.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described Without departing from or sacricing any advantages thereof as defined in the appended claim.

IRVIN F. HUMMON, JR. 

